Tag Archives: City Palace

Rajasthan is the land of magnificence and striking architecture. Its forts, palaces, museums, and monuments have earned global accolades to the land of Maharajas.

Recently, the museums of Rajasthan were judged on different parameters and we are happy to share that 2 of these museums have made it to the list of top 10 for the Indian winners of Tripadvisors Travellers’ Choice awards for Museums.

According to Tripadvisor, a travel website, the award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

The City Palace of Jaipur has secured 2nd position and the museum in Bagore Ki Haveli won the 3rd position.

Built during the years of 1729 to 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the pink city, while Bagore Ki Haveli is a huge mansion that has 138 rooms with a museum and cultural center showcasing the old traditional Rajasthan culture and folk dances.

For a state that is rich in its culture, traditions, history and heritage, museums have been the only source to safeguard and preserve the artefacts of the bygone era and further, thus leading to become an important part of our society.

International Museum Day which is celebrated every year on May 18 is the occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. Keeping in mind how these museums have been an important part of cultural exchange, cooperations and mutual understanding among people and the countries for a positive development, the theme of International Museum Day this year is “Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics”.

On International Museum Day let’s take a trip to the famous museums of Rajasthan that form an intrinsic part of the tourist attractions.

Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur

Established in the year 1876 to welcome Prince of Wales, this is the oldest museum in the state of Rajasthan. It is full of rare and tastefully decorated collection of various displayed objects, arms and carpets. The main attractions include the Persian carpets, coins, jewellery and costumes from different period of history and an Egyptian mummy.

City Palace Museum, Jaipur

Also known as Sawai Man Singh Museum, it houses the largest and finest collection of arms in India. The sword of Maharaja Man Singh which weighs about 5 kgs is one of the attractive exhibits.

City Palace Museum, Udaipur

The main part of the City Palace complex is open to the tourists as the City Palace Museum. It rooms historical paintings of which several are of the battle of Haldighati. Except this, the museum also rooms a remarkable collection of miniatures. It has a unique depiction of the architectural and artistic evolution of Mewar through centuries.

Image via Google

Mehrangarh Museum Trust

The Mehrangarh Museum showcases the heritage of the Marwar. The museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, armaments and costumes.

Chitrashala, Bundi

Bundi is famous for its wall paintings and tourists from all around the world visit to see this intricate piece of art. The Garh Palace is host to ‘Chitrashala’ where the walls and ceilings are embellished with miniature paintings and are still in its original form.

These are some of the main museums which caught our attention. Though every city in the royal state of Rajasthan has its own addition to history, culture and tradition and has preserved it in their respective cities.

No other province awaits rains like the desert state of Rajasthan. The first shower of monsoon is like a breath of relief and a full stop to the constant endurance of blazing heat. After a long scorching summer, a monsoon vacation is a must and to make it even more relaxing and refreshing, exploring the beauty of Rajasthan should be on the top of your bucket list. And to know why, take a look at some of the amazing and some hidden destinations of this state which become way more attractive with every shower.

Udaipur

Known as the Venice of East, the rains can bring the romance alive in this city of lakes. The view of clouds, the smell of rain, the greenery and royalty of Taj Lake Palace, City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort aka Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir and their surroundings will make you fall in love all over again.

Bhainsrorgarh

Who doesn’t love the view of lush green forests and river in monsoon? The heritage boutique hotel of Bhainsrorgarh situated on a cliff on the banks of Chambal River will give you the time of your life. Sightseeing during rains, visit to the Badoli Temple, capturing the beauty of the river and enjoy the moments of relaxation while dining on a cliff is monsoon bliss 😉

Visiting a hill station during monsoon can be your first best decision and choosing Mount Abu for the same would be your second best. It is a lethal combination of rains, amazing weather for trek, mountains, waterfalls, flora and fauna, and getting breath taking views from Dilwara Jain Temple and Nakki Lake.

Keoladeo

Monsoon is the best time of the year to come and enjoy the natural beauty of Keoladeo National Park aka Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary since more than 350 avian species are available for bird watching. The Bharatpur Forest Lodge can be your stop to sit, feel the rain and enjoy the melodious chirping all around.

Narlai

Midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Narlai can be your next destination. Old havelis, jeep safari for spotting deer, panthers, chital, leopards, and trekking are some of the major attractions for this time of the year.

Special for receiving greatest amount of rainfall, Bundi is also famous for the Hadoti Palace, the step wells, Nawal Sagar Lake, and beautifully carved havelis; this less explored travel destination has its own story to tell via the rains.

The rains and cool breeze would be welcoming and soothing for you to visit Kumbhalgarh fort or go out in the wild on a jeep safari in Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary. This is the right weather for you to watch the real beauty of the flora and fauna that comes out with the rain.

Mahansar

If you are into mythology, Mahansar is the right destination for you where the sone-chandi ki dukan portray gold leaf paintings of Ramayan and life of Krishna, and to enjoy the best of it you need to take a break from burning summers and visit the place during monsoon. The greenery accompanied with cool temperature will leave you amazed.

The lakes, the wildlife, the scenic beauty and desert camping are only a few of the major attractions in Pushkar. The city comes to life during monsoons as completely different shades of Pushkar are visible in the midst of monsoon showers.

Kuchaman

One of the hidden destinations of Rajasthan, Kuchaman has a lot in store for you especially during monsoons. The cool and refreshing weather is perfect to visit and praise the beauty of Kuchaman Fort, the cliffs, Sheesh Mahal, Meera Mahal, and Jal Mahal.

Another unexplored place of Rajasthan is Mandawa. The rains are a perfect time to enjoy the old havelis, paintings and open air art gallery in the Mandawa Palace.

Ranakpur

Known for its spectacular marble Jain temple and few other temples like the sun temple, Ranakpur is ideal when admired in monsoon season. The fall in temperature makes it easier to wander and enjoy the incredible architecture.

Jaipur

Last yet not the least – capital city, the Pink City. Witness the Teej festival which marks the advent of monsoon along with the awe inspiring sites of Jal Mahal, Albert Hall museum, step wells, Hawa Mahal and the temples in Jaipur especially during the rains because it’s the best time of the year to enjoy the marvelous beauty of the city.

And you cannot skip the delicious cuisine of Rajasthan while going around the state and enjoying the major attractions, can you?

Rajasthan is one of the most attractive tourism destinations in India. The state has many popular destinations like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner and Jaipur. Each city has something different to offer whether it’s the white buildings and deserts of Jaisalmer or pink beauty of Jaipur.

Jaipur is a treat for people who admire great culture and grand architecture. The city has many popular sites that you can visit. Here are the top attractions of Jaipur-

Amber Fort

The most frequented tourist spot of Jaipur is this majestic fort which is the lowest fort of the city. Amber fort is made in Hindu style with red sandstone and marble. The fort has four main levels- Diwan-e-aam, Diwan-e-khaas, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas. Amber houses Shitla Mata temple which is thronged by devotees. The fort overlooks Maota Lake and in the evening you can enjoy Light & Sound Show here.

When you are at Amber Fort, you have to eat at the 1135AD restaurant here for its traditional food and old world charm.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II to provide protection to Amber fort. This huge fort is quite famous especially because it has Jaivana, the world’s largest cannon on wheels in those days. There is also an armory and museum inside the fort.

Nahargarh Fort

This fort is the highest located fort in Jaipur and provides a great view of the city. Nahargarh fort is a two storey building, built in Indo-European style. It has nine similar apartments each of which has lobby, bedrooms, toilet, kitchen and store.

The dining experience at Once Upon A Time is a must here. It has two dining rooms where you can enjoy delectable North Indian cuisine. If you want to savor food while admiring the beauty of Jaipur then Padao café provides an amazing experience.

Jal Mahal

This is a beautiful palace located in the middle of Lake Man Sagar. You can visit the palace on your way to the aforementioned forts. It looks especially beautiful at night when it’s lit with colorful lights.

Recently the place got a facelift and got a heritage-look gate along with installation of Shahi Sawari. Shahi Sawari gives you a glimpse of the grandeur of royals. Street vendors here sell yummy local food like Chaat and kulfi here. You can also shop some knick-knacks near Jal Mahal.

City Palace

This palace complex is a hot-spot for tourists in Jaipur. It houses two palaces- Mubarak Mahal is a museum and displays a variety of textiles and costumes. Chandra Mahal is a seven storey palace and most of it is used by the erstwhile royal family as residence. Tourists are allowed only on the ground floor of Chandra Mahal which is a museum displaying carpets, manuscripts and other items of the royal family.

When you are done with roaming around the palace, head to Baradari restaurant at its Gate No. 2 to satiate your hunger pangs with yummy food.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO world heritage site. It features world’s largest stone sundial. The structure is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments which allow the observation of astronomical movements with naked eye.

Hawa Mahal

Located near City Palace and Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal is the most easily identifiable monument of Jaipur. It literally means ‘Palace of Winds’ and it certainly is a windy place to be. Hawa Mahal is basically a screen-wall with windows and was built so that royal women could observe festivals being celebrated on streets without being seen themselves. You can also shop to your heart’s content from the shops located near Hawa Mahal.

Albert Hall

Albert hall inside Ram Niwas Bagh is a must-visit place if you are into museums. This is the State Museum of Rajasthan and is oldest museum in the state. The hall is built in Indo-Saracenic style and has an interesting collection of carpets, paintings, ivory, crystal work, metal sculptures etc.

Raj Mandir Cinema

Raj Mandir is not just another movie theatre. It is a place where you get the royal treatment while enjoying a movie. The cinema hall has sparkling chandeliers and soft carpets to make you feel all regal.

The Four Walled Market

When you are done seeing these stunning examples of architecture, head to the market inside the four-walled city. The four-walled is all made of pink sandstone. Here you can buy everything associated with Jaipur and Rajasthan. Shop for jewellery, clothes, bed sheets, artifacts, quilts and enjoy authentic food. The most popular markets are Bapu bazaar, Johari bazaar and Tripolia bazaar among others.

World Trade Park

The magnificent historical monuments in Jaipur showcase city’s past and the World Trade Park gives you a glimpse of new Jaipur. This is a mall with twin-towers. You can shop till you drop here and sink your teeth in a variety of cuisines.

As in the past years, Dusshera Festival was performed with traditional as well as regal pomp and gaiety at the City Palace today. After the shastra-pujan (arms worship) the Dushhera procession started from City Palace towards the Vijay Bagh, Dushhera Kothi. Later, the procession returned to the City Palace. Many erstwhile thakurs and jagirdars of Jaipur participated in the traditional dresses.

The tourist circuit of Rajasthan has large number of destinations where tourists throng in huge numbers but a few of them, though, are slowly creeping on the circuit’s horizon still are not on the radar of an average tourist. A visit to these rarely frequented places will give a deep insight to state’s culture in contrast to the stereotyped presentation which regular tourist spots provide. Not visited by horde of average tourists, such places are less crowded and chaotic with an added bonus of enjoying the luxury of the leisure of top class hospitality too. All one has to expand his look beyond the more famous destination and he or she can get true rustic feeling of palaces, forts, camels’ et al for which Rajasthan is famous for.

A few of them are listed for your patronage:

1. Barmer

Nestled in The Great Thar Desert, Barmer though does not has any monument worth naming but a traveller will engross into richness of colour, cosiness of local unspoilt love for traditions which is the USP of Barmer. An adventure loving tourist can experience the rugged environs of barren land in long stretches, ruthless weather, difficult terrain, but, beauty of wood carvings, carpets, elaborate embroidery crafted by local craftsmen can work as reprieve. Barmer festival is organised in the month of March which makes it ideal period to visit Barmer.

2. Banswada

A true picture of how Rajasthan and its people are can be seen in Banswada, a district in southern part of Rajasthan. Its nomenclature originates from grooves of Bamboo surrounding it. A tribal habitat dominated by Bhils does boast of some ancient monuments in its kitty. A representative specimen of Rajput architecture, City Palace, Anand Sagar Lake an artificial lake, Madareshwar, a grand Shiva temple and ruins of the old city surrounded by Stone wall and a majestic palace of former rulers.

3. Rawla Narlai

Before moving to other parts of Rajasthan, one can culminate the trip to this part by visiting Rawla Narlai. Wish to relish the feeling of how graciously and splendidly the rulers of princely states lived do include this spot in your itinerary. The virginity of the place lies in 17th. Century fortress lying beneath a 350 ft. Rock which though converted into a heritage hotel retains its original heritage with huge courtyards, gardens, balconies, porches etc. along with food cooked and served in regal style extend to the reminisces of yore. A perfect place to rejuvenate oneself among hillocks and temples oozing with natural beauty.

4. Kuchaman

Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, though offers a lot to tourists has not gained much prominence and an apt example is Kuchaman, a town founded in `1781 AD by Thakur Zalim Singh has a nice looking Fort which gives a feeling of standstill time effect with wide collection of inlaid semi-precious stones, glass and gold paint. Stay at fort gives an opportunity to watch blue sky with all its radiance in contrast to the cities where it is stolen due to pollution in environment. The palace of Glass or Sheeshmahal still brims in all its glory. The ideal season to visit Kuchaman is during winters when you can time it with Camel Fair held at Pushkar hardly 100 kms. away.

5. Mahansar

Another Shekhawati town established in 1768 is about 40 kms. away from Jhunjhunu displays astonishing collection of elaborated artwork and paintings. A stand out attraction being Sone chand ki dukan a 18th Century Haweli where images of Ramayana and the life of Krishna are displayed on three tier ceilings and walls showcasing outstanding painting involving complicated golden leaves. Many more hawelis of Mahansar add to its attraction besides Raghunath Temple and big Halls.

On the occasion of International Dance Day today i.e. 29th April,‪ the state capital of Rajasthan –Jaipur‬hosted a five day dance festival to raise awareness about traditional and folk dance among youth. This five day event, is organised by Thirak India Cultural Society in collaboration with Gunijankhana at Badal Mahal, City Palace, Jaipur

Princess Diya Kumari inaugurates the festival, ‘Dance Symposium-State of Kathak in the State Of Kathak’ at Jainiwas Gardens, City Palace at Badal Mahal by Traditional Lighting of the lamp.

JAIPUR GHARANA’S KATHAK PERFORMANCE MESMERISES THE AUDIENCE

Rajasthan is known for its beauty and traditional arts. Such events keep alive music and dance traditions and also encourage artists.

The dance Gurus Pandit Girdhari Maharaj, Shashi Sankhla, Pandit Rajkumar Jabda, Smt Rekha Thakar discussed the state of Kathak Dance in Rajasthan. It was followed by the dance performance “Navak” presented by the Jaipur Gharana’s upcoming artistes. The performances were also directed by the above mentioned dance gurus. The cultural evening concluded with Rashmi Uppal’s presentation of Kathak Dance.